TDOT halts interstate construction for Easter travel holiday

Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all interstate construction work this Easter weekend in anticipation of increased holiday travel.

TDOT crews and contractors were to stop all road construction work that requires lane closures beginning Thursday, March 28 and continuing through Monday, April 1, at 6 a.m.This will provide maximum roadway capacity to motorists expected to travel across the state this holiday weekend.

Suspending interstate construction in Tennessee during the Easter holiday will permit a free flow of traffic and reduce potential delays, said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.I also encourage motorists to download the SmartWay Mobile App to get up-to-the minute traffic information before they hit the road this weekend.

Motorists will still encounter some long term lane closures on construction projects that will remain in place.While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on-site in construction zones and reduced speed limits will still be in effect.Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits, especially in work zones, for their own safety.Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.

For travel and TDOT construction information, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or download the new TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.